Field Kit

Field Kit organization follows the "Circle of Accessibility" framework for optimized gear distribution based on usage patterns, time criticality, and operational constraints.

This system evolved from practical motorcycle-based field work where every item must justify its weight and space while maintaining multiple capability clusters.

Core Philosophy

Weight and Access Optimization

Equipment should be stored at the furthest accessible tier that doesn't compromise its utility. Each tier move inward approximately doubles the importance of weight and space efficiency.

Multi-Use Prioritization

Items that serve multiple functions across different scenarios receive higher placement priority, maximizing capability per unit weight.

Operational Resilience

The system assumes degraded conditions: limited mobility, reduced cognitive capacity during stress, and potential equipment loss or damage.

Tier Classification System

Scoring Framework

Each item receives a composite score based on four factors:

Time Criticality (T): 1-5 scale

5: Immediate need (< 5 minutes)
4: Very soon (< 1 hour)
3: Same day (< 24 hours)
2: This week (< 7 days)
1: Eventually (> 7 days)

Consequence Severity (C): 1-5 scale

5: Life-threatening if absent
4: Major health/safety impact
3: Significant discomfort/limitation
2: Notable inconvenience
1: Minor inconvenience

Weight/Space Penalty (W): 1-5 scale

5: Negligible
4: Light/Small
3: Moderate
2: Heavy/Bulky
1: Very Heavy/Bulky

Multi-Use Factor (M): 1-5 scale

5: Critical in 3+ scenarios
4: Important in 2+ scenarios
3: Critical in 1 scenario
2: Useful in multiple scenarios
1: Single specific use

Total Score = (T × 2) + (C × 2) + (W × 1.5) + (M × 1)

Tier Assignments

Tier 1: On-Person Kit (35-47.5 points)

The No-Question Layer - Must be immediately accessible and carried daily.

Core Survival:

Fire starter (lighter + ferrorod)
Emergency shelter (space blanket or ultralight shell)
Water purification (tablets or filter straw)
First aid basics (pressure dressing, medication)
Communication device (phone, radio, or whistle)

Navigation and Documentation:

Essential maps/coordinates
Emergency contact information
Cash and identification
Writing implement

Multi-Tools:

Primary cutting tool
Cordage (10ft paracord)
Flat tape (3ft rolled)
Emergency patches

Tier 2: Vehicle/Pack Kit (25-34.5 points)

The Day-to-Week Layer - Accessible within 24 hours for extended operations.

Expanded Survival:

Sleep system (20L dry bag capacity)
Extended first aid kit
Backup fire starting methods
Area lighting and backup batteries
Extended water storage and filtration

Professional Tools:

Camera equipment and documentation tools
Technical repair kit
Extended communication gear
Weather protection layers

Comfort and Logistics:

Cooking system and utensils
Personal hygiene supplies
Clothing layers and spare socks/underwear
Tool kit and repair materials

Tier 3: Base Cache (< 25 points)

The Extended Operation Layer - Accessible within 60 days for maintenance and resupply.

Bulk Supplies:

Large quantities of consumables
Seasonal gear and specialized clothing
Full repair shop setup
Document archive and reference materials
Bulk food and water storage

Container System

Primary Containers

5.11 Rush 24 (128oz base): Main urban/wilderness capacity
WLF Enduro Pack (70.5oz base): Motorcycle-specific kit
Timbuk2 Waist Pack (70.5oz loaded): Active access layer
Dry bags: Modular organization by capability cluster

Capability Clusters

Documentation System [~20oz total]

Camera and lens
Audio recording device
Watercolor/sketch materials
Field notebook and writing tools

Survival Core [~50oz total]

Sleep system with weather protection
Water procurement and treatment
Fire starting and maintenance
Emergency food and medication

Technical Support [~55oz total]

Vehicle maintenance tools
Power systems and charging
Communication devices and backup methods
Electronic repair and backup storage

Distribution Rules

Critical Redundancy

Backup versions of Tier 1 items should be stored in Tier 2. Essential capabilities must survive single-point failures.

Bulk Supply Tapering

Consumables distributed across tiers with quantities decreasing toward inner tiers:

T1: 24-hour supply
T2: 7-day supply
T3: 30+ day backup

Seasonal Modifiers

Items may shift one tier inward during their primary season (winter insulation, summer cooling, etc.).

Weight Distribution Targets

Tier 1: < 15% of body weight
Tier 2: < 25% of body weight
Tier 3: No specific limit

Maintenance Protocol

Quarterly Reviews

Re-score items based on actual usage patterns
Adjust tier placement for seasonal changes
Verify expiration dates and condition of consumables
Update emergency contact information and documentation

Post-Incident Updates

Document what worked and what was missing
Adjust scoring based on real-world performance
Modify container organization based on access patterns
Update procedures and checklists

Integration with Emergency Procedures

Field kit organization directly supports emergency runbooks:

Vehicle Failure Runbook: Tools and spare parts in Tier 2, emergency communication in Tier 1
Digital Security Incident Runbook: Backup devices and authentication in Tier 2, emergency contacts in Tier 1
Solo Medical Emergency Runbook: First aid distributed across all tiers, emergency medication in Tier 1

The kit serves as the physical foundation that enables runbook procedures to be executed effectively under field conditions.